Happy New Year!

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted an update. To be honest, I hadn’t felt much like writing since losing both my cousin and grandpa. I wasn’t sure about keeping this blog, yet, with life much more stable after a new job and move, I am hoping it’ll help me to pick up writing again. I figure a quick recap of this past year is as good a start as any:

New Beginnings

I transitioned last January from secondary childhood education to early childhood education with the Aberdeen Child Development Center (CDC) here in Aberdeen, MD. If someone had asked me what a CDC was a year ago, I would’ve guessed a daycare, but I was pleasantly surprised! It’s actually a facility geared toward observing and assessing areas of strength and possible need that may arise during a child’s first three years. We work with families on creating supportive plans and providing resources to help them with their goals, especially regarding transitions like deployment (being an Airforce brat, that is something I personally feel strongly about). There’s a lot of learning both hands-on and text-based. I’m currently twelve months into my eighteen months of training. One cool perk is that when I’m finally finished training, all my modules equate to 63 credits with our local college! It’ll be neat to have another degree under my belt.

Looking back through this blog, namely the Covid posts, I can see how burnt out and depressed I was trying to teach my middle school students long distance over the pandemic. Making the decision to stop trying to go back to China was hard, but worth it. The work and the hours were grueling and not something I’d wish on anyone. I’m in a good place now. It’s so lovely not to worry about gradebooks or 4am parent-teacher conferences ever again and working with infants and toddlers is so much fun! They crack me up every day and the unlimited hugs is a huge plus! Now, if only I can stop catching everything they do.

Shout-out from American University!

My Alma Mater shared that I had my first short story published with the Asian American Writer’s Association on page 40 of their Winter 2023 magazine. What an honor!

The National Cherry Blossom Festival

In March, Mark took me to see the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC! I really regretted not going back when I actually lived in DC two years I lived in DC. Despite the crowds and mud, we were able to walk full circle around the Tidal Basin! Seeing the blossoms made me a bit homesick for Yokota, AFB, and how I spent seven years walking to school under clouds of fluffy pink and white cherry blossoms every spring. As kids, we always had to sing the folk song さくらさくら in Japanese culture class. It played in my head the whole day we were here.

Mark and I have been playing around with the idea of going to visit my hometown of Fussa, Tokyo this fall during our trip to South Korea to see my friend’s new baby. It’ll be our first time in South Korea, and Mark’s first time in Japan. I’m excited and anxious at the same time. I know we’ll have fun, but it’ll be bittersweet to see how much has changed since I was thirteen. Fingers crossed it all works out!

One Lump or Two?

I have never had high tea before and was able to try Lady Camellia’s in Alexandria with my friends back in late April. It was pricey, but super cute! It was a lot of fun tasting the different teas and pastries. We spent the rest of the day laughing over putt-putt at Swingers.

A Move for the Better!

In May, we made the move onto the Aberdeen Proving Ground! My wonderful father and mother-in-law, Philip and Penny, came over from New Mexico to help out and soak up the East Coast. We’re thankful they did, because it was quite the undertaking.

We really like living here so far! The area’s quiet, and Mark and I both have the big advantage of being able to walk to work!

An unexpected bonus of living at APG has been the numerous animals also calling this place home. From deer and foxes to marmots and wild turkeys, there’s been quite a variety of species. Each month brings something different!

Disc Golf

Mark and I tried our hand at disc golf in June at the Little Washington Winery in Virginia for our friend Eric’s birthday. It wasn’t quite my forte, but Mark’s not bad at it! Side note: If you’re ever in Alamogordo, New Mexico and feel inclined to play disc golf, check out the John “Riff” Disc Golf Course. It’s named after Eric’s late father who designed and worked with the city to start!

Good Morning, Baltimore!

That same month, Mark and I took a visit to Baltimore. We saw the home of one of my favorite writers, Edgar Alan Poe, climbed the Washington Monument in Baltimore, and explored the beautiful Walters Art Museum.

Ghost

To celebrate another year around the sun, Mark took me to see Ghost! They were phenomenal as always – even more so considering what a sweltering day it was in New Jersey. The musicians were good sports, and so were we! In fact, we were very much on the square and on the level

Ireland and Northern Ireland

At the beginning of December, I visited Ireland and Northern Ireland. I had originally planned to go with a friend, but I’m glad I still went even though she had to pull out last minute. I had a lot of fun! Taking my time to really immerse myself in the history and culture, not to mention the epic sites and rich food, felt incredibly rejuvenating.

Ah, if only I were younger, I would totally consider moving to Ireland. Even so, it felt good to leave the country for a bit. I may share some of the places I saw on this blog at some point!

A Poconos Christmas

Mark and I ended the year with his siblings and their significant others in the Poconos. There was great company, good food, and lots of puzzles and video games!

That wraps up my highlights of this year. I hope 2023 treated you well, and 2024 treats you even better!

Steph ❤